You Can't Quit Being a Mom

This is a guest post by Kristel Acevedo, wife to Alex and mother to Liam. Her interests include reading, writing and Instagram. She has a master's degree in Biblical counseling from Southeastern Seminary and has a passion for helping others through life's most difficult moments. You can also find her on Twitter and Facebook. If you want to guest post on this blog, check out our guest post guidelines.

Hello, my name is Kristel and 10 months ago I became a mother. Much like Kelsey, motherhood rocked my world! I was over-prepared for the birth of my baby but grossly unprepared for what would come after. Nothing was what I expected it to be and soon I began to panic.

My husband and I decided long before I was pregnant that I would be a stay-at-home mom once we had children. I have never regretted this decision, but I certainly questioned it on days when my baby would cry for hours, refusing naps and seemingly hating everything.

I wondered how I would handle motherhood. There were days (and nights!) when I thought I wouldn't be able to take it anymore.

I wanted to throw in the towel, but how could I? I'm a mom now; you can't just quit being a mom.

Ten months later, things have definitely gotten better. My son has (finally!) started sleeping all night long in his own crib. He is taking regular naps. He is breastfeeding like a champ and eating solid foods like it's his job. He plays and laughs and learns new tricks every day.

We have gotten into a groove and motherhood is a lot more fun these days.

Are there hard days? You bet. Do I get burned out? I certainly do. Thankfully I have an amazing husband who is also an amazing father and knows just how to care for me and the baby. I have a family who loves my boy to no end and is always encouraging me. And I have a Heavenly Father who blesses us and never abandons us. I also make almost-daily trips to Starbucks for a little "mama time" with an iced chai latte.

Being a new mother can definitely be overwhelming. I would often find myself thinking, "There is no end to this! I will never sleep again. I will never be carefree again. He is never going to stop crying!"

I'm here to tell you, it does get better. Soon you and your baby get to know each other. You "learn" your baby and your baby trusts you as you care for him. Don't give up, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

And don't forget that God will give you the wisdom, patience and grace it takes to be the mother that your baby needs.

How did your life change when you had a baby? Did you find the transition to parenthood to be easy or difficult? What helped you along the way?